New cruise check-in system reduces minutes to seconds

Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises say they have established another industry first: Both lines are simultaneously launching online check-in for their guests, reducing the check-in process at the pier from minutes to seconds. Titled “SetSail” for Royal Caribbean International and “Xpress Pass” for Celebrity Cruises, online check-in is now available for guests booked on Royal Caribbean’s “Navigator of the Seas” and for those on Celebrity’s “Zenith.” The system is expected to be available for both brands’ entire fleets by September. The new online check-in process allows guests to fill out cruise documents before arriving at the pier. Boarding documents, immigration forms, onboard accounts and ticket contracts can be completed with just a click of the mouse. “This is a truly innovative development, basically making the web our ‘virtual check-in agent,'” said Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Associate Vice President Guest Port Services Juan Trescastro. He added: “By averting the need to complete paperwork at the pier or while in line, we’re reducing the time involved at the pier from an average of three to four minutes to an average of 30 seconds per guest.” Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, with a combined total of 29 ships in service, two under construction and one on firm order. Report by David Wilkening